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Barnes, Astros excited to potentially face Mo

Barnes, Astros excited to potentially face Mo

9/27/13: Astros manager Bo Porter discusses hosting the Yankees for the final series of 2013, and honoring Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte

By Brian McTaggart
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MLB.com |

HOUSTON -- Brandon Barnes, prior to Friday, was the only Astros player who could say he had a base hit against Yankees legend Mariano Rivera, who is in Houston this weekend for his final series of his career. Barnes singled against Rivera earlier this year.

The chance to perhaps get one last crack at Rivera this weekend was something that excited Barnes and some of his teammates.

"It's awesome any time you get to face him," Barnes said. "It's going to be exciting to see him come out of the bullpen, I'll tell you that."

Astros outfielder L.J. Hoes was hoping to get in the box against Rivera.

"I'm just hoping I get the opportunity," he said.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi hinted earlier this week that Rivera could get some time in center field at some point this weekend.

"He's Mariano Rivera," Barnes said. "He can do whatever he wants. If he wants to play a game in center field, let him play a game in center field. He's great. Not only one of the greatest closers of all time, but one of the greatest guys of all time."

Astros manager Bo Porter said he would have no issue with Rivera in center field.

"Whatever it is they decide to do, I'm all in," he said. "He deserves it. He's arguably one of the best pitchers or even players to play in this league."